Questions About White Light Red Fire

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Answered Questions (2)

At the first stand near the Pass of Ing, which specific choices by the defenders turn Ember cavalry strengths into weaknesses, and how does the terrain make those choices work?

Robert Reid The first choice the defenders made was to meet the cavalry where the Pass of Ing narrowed between two steep cliff faces. The narrows were further tig…moreThe first choice the defenders made was to meet the cavalry where the Pass of Ing narrowed between two steep cliff faces. The narrows were further tightened by building two stone bulwarks in the space between the cliffs. The Ember cavalry were further fooled by the fact the defending pike front lines formed in front of the bulwarks thereby disguising the fact that the real front line was only four ten yard channels. As the front pikes were pulled back and the front line of defenders retreated behind the bulwarks the charging cavalry were forced into narrow killing zones of pikes. The attackers had no room to manoeuvre and the speed of the charge became a weakness rather than a strength. Similarly the expertise of the attacking cavalry with their lances was negated by the narrow fighting ground. However perhaps the most important choice the defenders made was to have John Burnett dressed as Lord James Cameron, the sworn enemy of Elan of Ember, the leader of the invaders. The thought of besting his greatest enemy caused Elan to make rash choices which in the end would prove fatal. So the landscape and deception forced mistakes and lust for revenge hastened catastrophe. (White Light Red Fire pages 40-44) (less)

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When Oien offers King Dewar the chance to rule through the red stone called othium, what does their first meeting show about each man’s aims and limits of power as seen in the red fire display and their words?

Robert Reid I think from the outset Oien simply views the King as an inconvenient necessity. The King has the armies to allow conquest and the manpower to reopen …moreI think from the outset Oien simply views the King as an inconvenient necessity. The King has the armies to allow conquest and the manpower to reopen the othium mines. Initially their aims are aligned. Both want the riches and resources in Amina in the south. Oien knows the King understands the power of a harsh ruler. The demonstration of the red fire is impress on the King he knows nothing of supernatural power and he knows the demonstration puts the King on the back foot. However the King has been thwarted in his ambition to conquer Amina. He would give anything to resurrect his goal of acquisition of Amina and recognises that Oien’s magic might provide the solution. I think if Amina had been securely conquered then Oien would have removed the King. He had history of doing this – Page 104 in White Light Red Fire. (less)

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